2 Vintage Paintings

I purchased these 2 circular style paintings recently that seem to have a unique style but they are not signed.

They are both painted I think on illustration board with 1 measuring about 12" by 12" and the other about 14" by 11".

They were both in the older 1970's style metal spring loaded type frames so I think they may have been painted in the 1970's.

I know this is far fetched but I was wondering if anyone could Identify the artist or other artist with this style of painting or anything else.

Thanks!
Kevin

 

These are called anamorphic paintings. They are missing a part. To view the picture you need a mirrored cylinder that stands in the center. You see the image reflected in correct proportion on the cylinder.

 

I remember there was a traveling exhibit of these (could well have been in the '70s) and an associated minor fad.

The style is old: dates back at least to the English civil war. The subject of the second one might be Charles I. They tended to show forbidden subjects - religious, political, pornographic. It was a means of having the image without having the image. Their novelty value is self-apparent.

 

Thanks for the information moreotherstuff! Now that you mention the type of paintings they are I do seem to recall seeing this type a long time ago somewhere.

 

FIND THE MISSING PIECE!!

please...

 

I found what looks like the 2nd Anamorphic Art painting I have but it has the mirrored cylinder with it on Cross Connect Magazine in an article about Anamorphic Art by István Orosz although I don't know who did the painting I have since it's not signed anywhere I can see. The Link is below with Anamorphic Art by István Orosz from Cross Connect Magazine.

http://www.crossconnectmag.com/post/96802311836

 

Or just create the missing piece!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Especially now that you've seen what it needs to approximately look like!!!!!!!!!!!!! VERY COOL